CD205/LY75/gp200 [SPM487]

CD205, also named DEC-205, belongs to the macrophage mannose receptor family of C-type lectin endocytic receptors. CD205 is predominantly expressed by the thymic cortical epithelium and by dendritic cells (DC), but can also be detected at low levels in T and B lymphocytes and several other epithelial cell types. CD205 is a novel thymic epithelial marker that is important for the positive selection process of thymocytes. It is a sensitive and specific marker for thymoma, while the sensitivity to thymic carcinoma is lower than CD5 and CD117.